Coast Guard organizations have emerged as the primary agencies for maintaining maritime safety and security in Southeast Asia, particularly in sea areas within national jurisdictions. In recent years, however, the increasing prevalence of “gray zone” coercion at sea has expanded the role of coast guards beyond constabulary maritime forces. They now play a crucial role in ensuring littoral states in the South China Sea maintain jurisdiction over their territorial seas, EEZs, and continental shelves in accordance with international law. This session will address the following questions:

• How are regional Coast Guard organizations responding to the increasing use of “gray zone” coercion in Southeast Asian waters?
• What challenges hinder closer Coast Guard cooperation in Southeast Asia?
• What steps can be taken to ensure that the emerging ASEAN Coast Guard Forum evolves into an impactful institution that promotes adherence to international law and fosters effective regional cooperation to address maritime challenges?